Tottenham legend David Ginola believes that Spurs are maturing nicely under Harry Redknapp and, given time, will overhaul north London rivals Arsenal

FORMER Spurs winger David Ginola believes that patience is key for Spurs fans as a maturing Tottenham outfit continue their journey to the top of the table – just like the Frenchman’s award-winning wines.

Ginola played nearly 130 games for the Lilywhites between 1997 and 2000, but these days the 43-year-old is focusing his efforts on the wine industry, and his vineyard in Provence.

Ginola’s Coste Brulade ros� won a silver award at the International Wine Challenge in 2008, but he is struggling to bring his plonk to market in the UK.

The Frenchman admits that patience and faith have been important virtues in his latest venture.

And he is urging Tottenham fans to show the same restraint and belief as Spurs continue to blossom under Harry Redknapp – and close in on north London rivals Arsenal.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day so if I have to wait a little bit to see my wine on the shelves, that will be lovely. I want to see my wine and Spurs both sitting on top of the table,” said Ginola.

“I really believe in this team and I really believe in Harry Redknapp, what he’s been doing for a couple of years now. I’m pretty sure that at one stage Spurs will be right at the top alongside Arsenal, if not above.

“I know it is very important for Spurs fans to finish above Arsenal, but just keep in mind that this job has been going on for many years now, and you are getting the rewards of that now. Don’t be too impatient. You just have to keep going and keep believing in it.

“My wine project is going well but we are struggling to find a way of selling it.

“People are trying to squeeze the price but we want to make some profit. It has won medals twice, but we have to take our time.”

Having finished fourth last season, Spurs fans are now daring to believe that they could go one better this season and even overhaul the Gunners.

While Ginola believes that Redknapp’s side will eventually overtake their arch-rivals, he feels that another top-four finish and a run in the Champions League are more than adequate ambitions for this campaign.

“It’s still a very long way to go in the season and the most important time will be over the winter period,” he said. “If you can come out of that time with no injuries and no suspensions it can give everyone at the club a positive mindset heading into spring, and then you can look at finishing the season in a strong position.

“Last year Spurs made a similar start to the season, picking up good results, and it went right down to the wire with Manchester City, but hopefully this season it will be easier to secure a place in the Champions League.

“And if Tottenham can make it past the group stage of the Champions League and play in the knockout stages that would be fantastic for the club, and another step in the right direction.”

Ginola was a key player for the Tottenham outfit that won the League Cup in 1999, when he was named PFA Player of the Year and Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year.

The iconic French international scored 22 goals in 127 games for the Lilywhites, joining a legendary line of Spurs’ flair players who got the crowd out of their seats every time he received he ball – and he feels that Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart are having a similar impact at White Hart Lane.

“You see Gareth Bale doing great stuff, he is the future of the club – the way he plays, I have seen him play many times and he is an absolute joy to watch,” said Ginola.

“He is the kind of player you want to see on the football pitch, taking risks and opportunities, going down the side on the wing, crossing, keeping the ball and he is very strong. This is the future of the club.

“As for Van der Vaart, he is a great signing for the club and has shown that with some great performances for the club already.”

David Ginola is an ambassador for Vision Charity and was speaking at Vision’s Sports Legacy Fund, designed to create access to sustainable sport for Blind and Visually impaired children. For more information visit www.visioncharity.co.uk

You can hear the full interview with Ginola at http://www.worldsport.podbean.com/